What is a grid connect solar power system?
Grid connect systems, which are the most common in built up areas, supply solar electricity through an inverter directly to the household and to the electricity grid if the system is providing more energy than the house needs. When power is supplied to the mains grid, the home owner usually receives a credit or a payment for that electricity. This is called a feed in tariff.
Grid connect systems, which are the most common in built up areas, supply solar electricity through an inverter directly to the household and to the electricity grid if the system is providing more energy than the house needs. When power is supplied to the mains grid, the home owner usually receives a credit or a payment for that electricity. This is called a feed in tariff.
Does roof orientation really matter?
Most certainly. For example, a system with solar panels facing in a southerly direction will generate far less than one with a northerly aspect. However, east/west installations can be a good option depending on the installation scenario.
What is a grid connect solar power system?
Grid connect systems, which are the most common in built up areas, supply solar electricity through an inverter directly to the household and to the electricity grid if the system is providing more energy than the house needs. When power is supplied to the mains grid, the home owner usually receives a credit or a payment for that electricity. This is called a feed in tariff.
Grid connect systems, which are the most common in built up areas, supply solar electricity through an inverter directly to the household and to the electricity grid if the system is providing more energy than the house needs. When power is supplied to the mains grid, the home owner usually receives a credit or a payment for that electricity. This is called a feed in tariff.
How much does a grid connect solar power setup cost?
Prices vary according to size and location – try our quick solar quote tool to determine the cost.
What is a feed in tariff and how much will I get paid?
A feed in tariff is whereby a grid connect system owner is paid for the electricity their system generates by a utility or government agency. There are two different types of tariffs, gross and net. A gross feed in tariff pays a premium on all electricity produced whereas a net feed in tariff only pays on surplus energy created by the system. In Australia, net feed in tariffs are predominant.
Is my building suitable for a solar power system?
Several aspects will need to be evaluated to determine if your home is a good solar site, such as orientation, space available, shadows on the space available and your current electricity usage. The best site will be one with adequate north-facing roofs that have no shade. Variations on that will cut into the productivity of the system.
How long will my grid connect solar power system last?
The life of Solar modules that have been tested in the field showing small reductions in power output after 20 years, mostly because the glass surface becomes a bit dull and reflects more light. All our solar panels carry an output warranty of 25 years. There are solar panels delivering power in Australia today that were installed more that 30 years ago. The electronic components such as inverters, being the most sensitive, will last 10 -15 years.
What type of warranty comes with the system?
Solar Panels: minimum 10 year product warranty and 25 year performance guarantee
Mounting System: 10-year product warranty (manufacturer)
Inverter: 5 – 10 year warranty
Workmanship: 5 year warranty on workmanship (installer)
Should I choose monocrystalline, thin film or polycrystalline solar panels?
Between monocrystalline and polycrystalline there isn’t a lot of difference. However, a polycrystalline panel is slightly larger than the equivalent wattage in monocrystalline. Thin film panels are larger again. That extra space can take up valuable rooftop real estate in terms of adding extra panels at a later date. There are other issues to consider with thin film panels.
What can affect the amount of solar energy received?
The strength of the solar energy (radiation) available depends on the time of year, the time of day, and the latitude of the generation point. The amount of energy that the system generates can change due to: the amount of dust and water vapour in the air, how much cloud cover, any shading of the solar panels, and the quality of the solar modules.
What happens on cloudy days?
Is there any maintenance?
How reliable will my system be?
As the Energy Matters systems are designed to Australian Standards, the reliability of components and consistency of power supply will be more than adequate for the loads specified.
Carbon emissions and climate change
What does a typical home solar power system consist of?
The heart of a photovoltaic solar power system is the solar array. Made up of multiple panels (individually measuring roughly 1 by 1.5 meters), this array absorbs the energy of a specific range of available sunlight and converts this energy into electrical energy.
The array mounts on a frame that allows the panels to be secure with minimal interference with the waterproofing and structure of the roof. Most importantly it provides the correct aspect and elevation for the array so as that the maximum amount of available sunlight in received and converted.
A cable runs down from the array to the inverter. The inverter is a device that efficiently converts the widely fluctuating power from the solar array into a predictable and usable energy feed.
A second cable connects the inverter to your house’s switchboard, which is in turn connects to the main power grid. This creates a continuous and dynamic system for the contribution of solar energy to your house. The inverter also acts as a simple data logger. An information screen on the inverter will display total energy production, daily energy production, and instantaneous power. These figures will fluctuate depending on the time of year, the cloud cover, and temperature, and will allow you to keep a record of your system’s performance.
Solar power systems can also optionally include easy-to-use remote monitors, internet enabled data loggers, and even sensors to determine solar availability, panel temperature, air temperature, and wind speed. Ask your sales representative for more information.
Can I insure my grid connect system?
Most insurers will allow you to include the system under your home and contents insurance, but please check with your insurance company first.
If my energy requirements increase, can I upgrade the system?
Yes. You can get additional solar panels at any time to increase generating capability but you might have to upgrade to a larger inverter. Alternatively you could purchase a larger inverter when installing the system initially and then plan to add some extra solar panels later.
What about the energy it takes to produce a solar power system?
What can affect the costs of installing a grid connect system?
Generate Electricity at Low Cost
Electrical & Installation Solar Power FAQ
Is a solar regulator necessary in a grid connect system?
Will I need a new switchboard and/or meter?
How do we store electricity for use after the sun goes down?
What happens with grid connect systems during a blackout?
Can you retro-fit battery backup into a grid connect system?
How does a solar system connect into current house power?
Where do you place the inverter?
Should I choose monocrystalline, thin film or polycrystalline solar panels?
Where do you place the inverter?
What is the difference between solar power and solar hot water?
Solar panels take light from the sun and make electricity. Solar hot water systems take heat from the sun and heat water. It is easy to remember:
- Heat from the sun heats the water.
- Light from the sun turns on the lights.
How much roof space do you need?
What is the weight of the solar system on the roof?
What if my system has faulty installation?
What if I am not happy with the system?
What online personal information do I need to provide and is it secure?
